Print media (newspapers primarily, but
magazines as well) serves as one of the most accessible forums
for your viewpoint available. The following tables provide some
useful contact information for both Missouri and national print
media outlets, followed by some practical guidelines on how to
get your message into print as often as possible, whether as a letter-to-the-editor or even an opinion editorial
(op-ed) piece.

MISSOURI PRINT MEDIA

Please check out your own area for newspaper and
magazine contact info and send it to moccw@bigfoot.com,
using "MEDIA" as your subject line. Thanks!

GUIDELINES FOR COMMUNICATING WITH THE PRINT
MEDIA

LETTERS-TO-THE-EDITOR

"Letters to the Editor" provide citizens with the
opportunity to comment on articles and editorials appearing in
their local newspapers. (CLICK
HERE for sample letters-to-the-editor.) Studies show
that people read the "Letters to the Editor" section of
newspapers more than they read the editorials by journalists!
Moreover, "Letters to the Editor" are widely read by
community leaders and lawmakers to gauge public sentiment about
current issues in the news. Here are some helpful guidelines to
follow when crafting your "letter to the editor."

Type or Write Clearly

Include your name, address, and telephone number. Papers
often call to verify authorship. Newspapers will not print
anonymous letters.

Address Your Letters to "The Letters Editor" or
"Dear Editor."

Be Brief and Specific

Letters should never exceed one page. State the purpose of
your letter in the opening paragraph and stick to that topic. If
your letter pertains to a specific article or editorial, identify
it accordingly. Try to keep your letter under 125 words. Always
adhere to the paper's guidelines, which should be clearly stated
on the editorial page of the paper.

Nothing But The Truth

Mentioning documented studies and statistics in your letter
will enhance its effect, but don't overdo it! Your message can
become lost in a sea of figures, but never make a statement that
you can't back up with hard figures. Quoted figures should come
from sources you trust, but the letter should be written in your
own words. Avoid name-calling and insults.

Write About Current Issues, Not Old Topics

Stick to debates going on right now. Respond promptly to
anti-gun stories and editorials. Write in support of pending
pro-gun legislation or against pending anti-gun legislation.

Don't Become Discouraged!

Most publications receive more letters than they can print,
and will often print one letter that is representative of others.
Most importantly, keep trying! Unpublished letters are still read
by the editors, and can help them determine which topics should
receive more attention.

SAMPLE LETTER

Today's Date

Letters Editor
Name of Paper
Address
City, State Zip

Your Name
Address
Phone Number

Dear Editor:

As a subscriber to (Name of Paper), I'm writing in response
to "(title of article)" which you ran (date article
appeared). I feel compelled to encourage your editorial staff to
report objectively on legislation allowing law-abiding citizens
to obtain a permit to carry a firearm for self-defense. If courts
are unwilling to confine violent criminals, we should at least
allow law-abiding citizens the right to defend themselves and
their families.

I further implore you to challenge those who claim that
such a law will cause a surge in the state's crime rate. That is
simply not the case. Such instances have not occurred in other
states that allow their citizens to carry firearms for
self-defense. Most notably, since adopting its right to carry law
in 1987, Florida's homicide rate has decreased by 22% while the
national rate has increased 27%.

The time has come for Missouri to allow decent, law-abiding
citizens who work hard and pay their taxes, to have the option to
carry a firearm for self-defense should they choose to do so.
Anything less than that is not only wrong, but flat out
dangerous.

Sincerely,

Your Name

OPINION EDITORIALS (OP-EDS)

Similarly, opinion editorials (Op-Eds) are a vehicle by
which citizens can make extensive comments on articles,
editorials and policies. (CLICK HERE
for sample Op-Eds.) Like Letters-to-the-Editor, Op-Eds are placed
on the editorial page and have the ability to reach a large
audience. When writing an Op-Ed, be sure to keep your piece
concise and include specific information. The average length of
Op-Eds that are printed is between 400-800 words long. Check with
your local paper concerning length requirements. Generally, you
will have a much better chance of having a
"Letter-to-the-Editor" published than an Op-Ed, but
this shouldn't discourage you from submitting Op-Eds!

BROADCAST MEDIA

Although letters to the broadcast media will not be seen by
the general public, they can help influence the programming of a
particular station. Local radio and television stations compete
for listeners and viewers, which means their programming must
cater to the needs of their broadcast audience. If you complain
about anti-gun programming, they'll see that as lost viewership
or listenership, and therefore, lost advertising dollars.
Likewise, if you thank them for pro-gun programming, they are
more likely to continue to air even more programs that portray
gun ownership in a positive light. Here are some helpful
guidelines to follow when crafting your letter to the broadcast
media:

Locate the Station's Address In Your Local Yellow Pages

Stations will be listed under "Radio Stations" or
"Television Stations"

Type or Write Clearly

Include your name, address and telephone number.

Address Your Letter to the "Station Manager" or
"General Manager"

Call the station to obtain his/her name and official title.

Comment on Recent Pro-Gun or Anti-Gun Stories

If your letter refers to a particular story, always
identify it by the date and time it aired, as well as who
reported it. Cite documented statistics and facts to back up your
objection to anti-gun stories.

Urge The Station to Contact MPS,
WMSA, GCLA, MSSA
or NRA for Comments on Stories Related to Firearms Rights

Too often, we are not given the opportunity to refute
anti-gun stories in the media. Let the station manager know that
you want to hear both sides of the story. (See contact info and
links in the table at the very bottom of this page.)

Remember, don't limit yourself to only letters of
complaint. Many radio talk shows are sympathetic to the rights of
law-abiding gun owners. A friendly letter of thanks simply needs
to mention that you find the show lively, entertaining, and
informative. Mention that you listen often and hope that they
will continue broadcasting similar programs which realistically
portray private gun ownership and typical firearms owners in a
positive light.